Zechariah is here chosen to go into the Holy Place in the temple in Jerusalem; the area of the temple where God dwelled. He’ll only do this once in his whole life of serving as a priest. It’s a great moment for this old man, the highlight of his career.

• Why should what happens in verse 24 be no surprise to Elizabeth or Zechariah?
• How does Elizabeth respond (v 25)?

......................................TIME OUT
Luke’s Gospel begins with God bringing life to a lifeless place: a living child in a barren womb. And it will end that way too: with a living man in a burial tomb. Truly, God is “the God who gives life to the dead” (Romans 4 v 17).
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......................................APPLY
• When God answers a prayer of yours, do you respond as Elizabeth did? Anything you need to praise and thank God for right now?
• How does this episode increase your faith in God’s promises about the future?
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.

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